Liz Lempert to Run for Mayor of Consolidated Princeton

Princeton Township Deputy Mayor Liz Lempert has announced her candidacy for mayor of Princeton.

“The next few years offer a great opportunity to show how we can continue to build on the consolidation of our two municipalities – Princeton Borough and Princeton Township – and remake ourselves into a Princeton that will be stronger, more vibrant and even more extraordinary than before,” Lempert said. “I want to make sure consolidation works well for all residents.  If we do it right, we’ll be a model for others – a fitting role for a town with such a renowned history.”  

Lempert said she decided to run after being encouraged by several leaders in both the Borough and Township.

“Liz is the right person at the right time,” said Borough Councilwoman Heather Howard. “She has the ability and temperament to bring together Borough and Township and lead during this critical period.”

Township Mayor Chad Goerner has also thrown his support behind Lempert.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Liz for mayor," Goerner said. "She has a strong record on Township Committee – from her leadership on preserving the Princeton Ridge to holding the line on the budget. Liz makes sure that she listens to all sides of an argument, but when push comes to shove, she knows how to make decisions and get things done.”

Lempert made her stamp on the local political scene four years ago when she volunteered for the Obama campaign and quickly rose to co-chair the 3,500-member grassroots group, Mercer for Obama.

“What I enjoyed most about the Obama campaign was finding meaningful ways for people to contribute that took advantage of their special skills, expertise and interests. The experience taught me how to direct a large, diverse group of people in a collaborative way.”

Lempert has served for three years on Township Committee and was elected deputy mayor earlier this month. She serves on the Planning Board, the Joint Finance Committee, the Citizens Finance Committee, the Environmental Commission, the Joint Pedestrian and Bike Committee and the Traffic Safety Committee.

Lempert worked with Township staff, her colleagues on Township Committee and the Citizens Finance Advisory Committee to develop a budget with no tax increase last year. She has also been an outspoken advocate for consolidation, environmental issues and the Community Park Pool.

“Liz cares about our community,” said Claire Jacobus, former chair of the Human Services Commission and longtime Borough resident. “When there was an effort to eliminate local services for the least fortunate in our town, Liz worked tirelessly to make sure that didn’t happen.”

Lempert introduced the concept of a Princeton Ridge Preserve to Township Committee in 2009 and spent the next two years working with local land preservation groups and Mercer County to acquire 66 acres of open space along the southern portion of the Ridge.

“Liz is easy to work with and always treats everyone with respect,” said Township Committeeman Lance Liverman. “I’m behind Liz 100 percent!”